“NASCAR fans are huge conservationists,” he says. “They know we’ve got to protect our environment and protect the areas where we want to do those things that we love outdoors.

Please click on the arrow below to hear Kirk Heinze’s conversation with Curtis.

As the largest recycler in NASCAR and of all sports venues in the state, Michigan International Speedway certainly deserves recognition. Schupan Recycling leads the venue’s recycling efforts, providing recepticles during event days. But Curtis says sorting the recyclables isn’t easy.

“Kudos to Schupan and Coke, but also those service groups who help us pull this off,” he says. “It's the efforts of a lot of people who make it happen.”

Last year, Michigan International Speedway began a partnership with Adrian College to host environmental education programs for K-12 students. It’s a way to leave digital devices behind and get students’ hands dirty, Curtis says.

“Not everyone there is going to grow up to become a biologist or have a career in forestry,” he says. “At a minimum, hopefully we’re letting kids know there are some great things here in Michigan. That the outdoors, wherever you are, are very special.”

Alternative energies are also integrated at Michigan International Speedway, Curtis says. With an 8,000-square-foot solar panel roof and wind turbines in the works, he says the venue is also looking to implement geothermal energy.

“It’s not going back to the ‘good ‘ol days,’” Curtis says. “That’s why we’re looking at some of these things. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense, too.”

That’s not to say automobile racing will have zero-emissions any time soon, he says, but new technologies will certainly continue to minimize the industry’s carbon footprint. Two of the speedway’s partners, Safety-Kleen and Goodyear, have been recycling used motor oils and worn tires respectively for many years, Curtis says.

“We’re not asking people to go off the grid,” he says. “We’re just asking people to be conscious of what’s going on.”